Overplayed Wedding Songs, According to Photographers
As wedding photographers, we’ve been to our fair share of weddings and listened to countless pop songs played during the reception. And while we love a good tune, there are some songs that I swear we could live without ever hearing again (or at least need a long break from). There’s absolutely no shade if one of these pop bops is your jam, we’re all allowed any ounce of serotonin we can get our hands on in this economy. That being said, these are a handful of pop songs that wedding photographers could go without hearing for a while.
1. "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
This song was a banger back in the day, but it's been played at so many weddings that I can't help but roll my eyes when I hear it. The repetitive beat and lyrics can get old real quick, especially when you're hearing it for the hundredth time.
2. “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift
Definitely a femme crowd pleaser, but the lyrics are so strange for a wedding. It’s about shaking off the heartbreakers and players. I’d say it’s more appropriate for a divorce party than celebrating nuptials. But hey! We can’t deny it gets booties shaking.
3. "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
I'll admit, I was a huge fan of this song when it first came out. But after hearing it at every. single. wedding. I've been to for the past five years, I'm officially over it. The funky beat could only push my patience so far.
4. "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon
This song came hot on the scene a few years back, and for good reason. It's upbeat, fun, and perfect for dancing. But like so many other pop songs on this list, it's been played to death at weddings. As a photographer, I'm always looking for something new and fresh to capture in my photos, and hearing the same songs over and over again just gets old.
5. "Marry Me" by Train
I know this song is meant for weddings, but that doesn't mean I want to hear it every single time I'm photographing one. The cheesy lyrics and predictable melody make it an easy target for eye-rolls and sighs. Then again, seeing young couples slow dance to this is pretty adorable.
6. “Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE
This song describes a scene that could be straight from a spring break in Florida. If that’s the vibe you’re going for, by all means, but it’s definitely been played a few too many thousand times at weddings… thousands of miles from the closest beach rave.
Last, but not least, in this line up:
7. Ed Sheeran, any song
We’re not hating on the talented singer-songwriter. It’s not his fault that he has an uncanny way of writing songs that resonate with the deeply in love. However, after all this time being played at receptions (or even as the processional song), it has become challenging to resist a tiny eye-roll.
Now, don't get me wrong, these songs are popular for a reason. They're catchy, fun, and perfect for getting people on the dance floor. But as a wedding photographer, hearing the same songs over and over again can get a little tiring. So if you're planning your wedding playlist, consider adding some new and exciting tunes to the mix. Your guests (but mostly your photographer) will thank you.
So what do you think? Which songs could you go without while flashing dance candids? Are any of the songs above secretly your jam? Or maybe you just like the types of photos you get when a certain song comes on. We’d love to know!